My kid is interested in the most random schools...

[Anonymous]

Sounds like interesting choices- he is interested in something very specific which is kinda cool and different.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Has he actually toured VT yet? (I am not a parent or a booster). We toured and my DS LOVED the place! It does seem out in the middle of nowhere but has a wonderful campus and spirit. Do make the trip. It's so huge he may find friends from high school either don't get in or go off on their own. DS chose UVA and has never even seen (yet) some of his classmates. A lot of people make that comment but when you are actually on campus with 37,000 people you don't run into your high school chums that often. At least that is my DS's experience. When he comes home I will ask "Do you ever see X?" (kid from high school, kid from church, kid from scouting). Nope. He has his own set of friends. I was impressed with VT and with the type of programs that your son wants.

This is really helpful feedback- thank you!

[Anonymous]

Be aware that the UC schools offer zero aid to out of state students.

I think it's great that your son knows what he wants and that it is a very different experience than what is "expected." There's something to be said for exploring a different, the path less travelled. I grew up UMC suburbia in MoCo and fled to a very tiny, very rural college. What an experience! Oh sure, eventually I ended up back in DC (to do my international relations grad work......so "despite" my no name school, I was still admitted to a top ten program) and remained here since. But I wouldn't trade that college experience and the additional 2 years I lived there for anything.

[Anonymous]

It sounds like he really wants to make sure he's having an experience unlike his peers, which makes sense. I was a McLean HS grad who ended up at UVA, and I often wish I had gone somewhere else. But the cheap tuition was hard to resist!

[Anonymous]

The list does not seem random at all when you include explanations. I have a NASA or bust kid. And the college lists is similarly perplexing, until you look at a specialized sort of Astronomy. And then you see it.

It’s a lot more thoughtful than a Places Where my BFFs are applying list, or Place with a Good Party scene list or a Hot Schools I can brag about list.

If he ends up staying closer to home, consider NC State. It has a great vet program. https://cvm.ncsu.edu/about-cvm/

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Your sons list doesn’t sound that random to me. Impressed he can articulate why he is interested in these schools, that it required some research and he’s identified some unexpected options.

He should also probably apply to an in-state option for affordability but overall a good start for early junior year IMO.

Exactly. My daughter is a junior and is very zoned in on what she wants. It is refreshing. Let them lead the way. it is congested out here. Let him enjoy his 4 years where he says. Pre-vet and being near wildlife parks sounds amazing.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:The list does not seem random at all when you include explanations. I have a NASA or bust kid. And the college lists is similarly perplexing, until you look at a specialized sort of Astronomy. And then you see it.

It’s a lot more thoughtful than a Places Where my BFFs are applying list, or Place with a Good Party scene list or a Hot Schools I can brag about list.

If he ends up staying closer to home, consider NC State. It has a great vet program. https://cvm.ncsu.edu/about-cvm/

I have a NASA or bust daughter. Where is your DS looking? Do you know they have NASA internships this summer for 16 and older. Right here at Goddard?

[Anonymous]

Hey NASA poster, my DD just got a spring internship at Goddard. She’s so happy. Already applying to JPL for summer. It took 5 applications to get Goddard but worth it.

[Anonymous]

I have two degrees in agriculture. I don’t find your sons list terribly random, and UND is a great school. I work with someone in their Ag department frequently. My MS is from UT-Knoxville. I spent most of those years in the Smokies or on a river or lake.

As for getting some kind of experience, see if your county has an FFA chapter. He’d be joining late but would still get to see more of what rural life is like and interact with students who have the similar interests.

[Anonymous]

Texas A&M?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The list does not seem random at all when you include explanations. I have a NASA or bust kid. And the college lists is similarly perplexing, until you look at a specialized sort of Astronomy. And then you see it.

It’s a lot more thoughtful than a Places Where my BFFs are applying list, or Place with a Good Party scene list or a Hot Schools I can brag about list.

If he ends up staying closer to home, consider NC State. It has a great vet program. https://cvm.ncsu.edu/about-cvm/

I have a NASA or bust daughter. Where is your DS looking? Do you know they have NASA internships this summer for 16 and older. Right here at Goddard?

Very aware. We have visited Goddard. Gotten the Women of Goddard booklet. Have talked to them about interning. Are in the process of applying to be an Explainer at the Udvar Hazy Center now that fall activities are winding down. Etc. Super focused kid. Her older sibling has zero idea.

I love the passion. The super focused life goal from age six is a little creepy.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Hey NASA poster, my DD just got a spring internship at Goddard. She’s so happy. Already applying to JPL for summer. It took 5 applications to get Goddard but worth it.

Do not mean to derail, but how? Any idea what kind of background they want?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Texas A&M? [/quote]

State University filled with Texans from top 10% of their class. Very difficult for non-resident to get in.